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I'm in the running for a job with my current employer that really appeals to me. I'd be going out to various foreign countries for a couple of months at a time, but I would be working quite long hours, demanding situations. It would be hard work, but not unsafe.

However, before I go, I need to do a medical check. I have a health form with standard questions and need to declare any ailments. This would be stuff like asthma, heart problems... and obviously, HIV.

I'm currently on medication. I'm not unwell, never a sick day, and this job isn't something where I wouldn't be able to take my medication daily. My doctor has assured me he would proscribe enough medication to take with me, and then some. So I'm not worried about that.

However - I know if I declare my HIV status at this stage, I would be out the running (I am almost certain of this). It's competitive, and any reason to knock candidates out the running will no doubt be taken. Also, I've not declared my status to my employer at the moment. This current health stuff wouldn't be subject to the same confidential non-disclosure that you'd usually expect - as in, colleagues who are friends would see it as part of the assessment process (it's meant to be confidential within the team I'm applying for, but I think we all know how these things work in real life).

I'm kind of a shoe-in for this role as well, and it would raise awkward questions if I didn't get the job or dropped out the running due to a mystery "health problem" anyway. I know it's kind of stupid not to declare this, especially if I am working abroad and the worst happens - but I would rather deal with that then and there, rather then miss this opportunity now.

My other concern is that I would need (assuming I get offered the job) a clean bill of health from my doctor. I have declared my HIV status to my GP (that's my doctor, for American readers!). This is my BIG worry. Is my doctor obligated to be truthful if I go and beg for him to provide me with a bit of paper saying I am fit for the job? Could I go and sign up to another GP, who doesn't know my status, and simply get the clean bill of health from them?

All the the pre-deployment health check is a couple of laps of a race course, some pushups, blood pressure check etc. They won't be doing blood/urine checks, anything like that. I'm fit and (essentially) healthy - I feel in a real bind!!

Thoughts appreciated. I'm not in denial about my status - I just don't want it ending up being office gossip for why I didn't get this role, and HIV just won't be treated the same as if I had a bad back or a heart murmour Need to fill out the health self-assessment early next week, so need to decide whether to fess up and face the consequences, or take a gamble and hide my status.

FEEL like you're in a bind, I think you are definitely in a sucky little bind. I'm certain you'll get some opinions here and that might help you figure out your plan. Here's what I would do were I in the exact same situation as you.

First thing Monday, make an appointment pronto with your ID doc to discuss this issue with him and explain everything you've explained here. If he can't see you in person, schedule a phone consultation. Ask him what HE would do and then ask what he CAN do to enable this to happen. Worst case scenario, he can't -- but doctors know ways in which they can write letters, etc. Further, perhaps you and he can discuss his becoming your GP right away (my ID doc is also my GP) and if he would do that, would he work with you to enable you to be in the running since he knows you're compliant, he knows the stigmatization and obvious likelihood of being knocked out of the running.

I would simply enlist him as he seems the most likely ally in the mix -- and if he sees no way around the truth, then don't throw your hat in the ring as it seems too high risk otherwise.

However - I know if I declare my HIV status at this stage, I would be out the running (I am almost certain of this). It's competitive, and any reason to knock candidates out the running will no doubt be taken. Also, I've not declared my status to my employer at the moment. This current health stuff wouldn't be subject to the same confidential non-disclosure that you'd usually expect - as in, colleagues who are friends would see it as part of the assessment process (it's meant to be confidential within the team I'm applying for, but I think we all know how these things work in real life).

They are not playing fair. But still, if you like the company enough, for the moment, to want to get a promotion, then you shouldnt make a stink about these unfair practices.So, since they play dirty, play dirty back and omit your HIV status. In this day and age, companies screw over employees all the time. Just do a good job, and thats all you owe them, cause when the shit hits the fan for the profit makers in a company, they will owe you nothing.

Logged

“From each, according to his ability; to each, according to his need” 1875 K Marx

your Dr doesnt have to lie he only has to state that you are fit for the job... ... I dont know about company policies there but here in Tx if your HIV status played any part in Job decisions they would be breaking the law, especially since you seem to be a "shoo -in" for the job.... starting a new job with a lie just leads to lots of stress and bad feelings later

Cheers for the immediate responses. It kind of reassures me that everyone's gut instinct seems to be "don't disclose if it can be helped"... I know it shouldn't be this way, but it kind of is.

@ emeraldize, I think that's what I'm going to do come Monday. I'm going to get in touch with the docs and see what they say, if it is possible. If not, then, I'll just go on a merry-go-round til I find a doctor who will, or who doesn't (properly) know my case history. I guess I could just sign up to a new GP, as we don't have centralized records (yet) in the NHS.

My hat is also kind of too far in the ring to back out now! I actually only applied on a whim, and surprised myself by how far I got... (all this worry may be for naught, may not get the job at the last hurdle! )

@ mecch, I do like my job, and the company enough. But I have realised to get ahead, sometimes people fib or stretch the truth. I'm only going for this more recent job as I got passed over for something I'm more suited to (basically, I got told at the end of the interview and in subsequent feedback I was the strongest candidate, but my paper evidence and manager review didn't match so they couldn't take me... this despite the fact my manager review gave me a better assessment than the one I had given myself! It was a "good" discrepency... but a discrepency nonetheless. Grrr!! Stupid bureaucracy. Job went to an utter bullshitter who exaggerated his achievements, as these things do. So I'm more inclined to fiddle the system than before!).

@ drewm: YES in bold. I like it

@ assurbanipal, I suspect I couldn't be turned down purely because of my HIV status. However, I have no doubt it would "factor into considerations". I'm also more concerned it filters into my permanent record, and prevents me from applying to other similar posts in future. Ethically, it bothers me tremendously that I can't be open about it, but I'm also a bit of a realist about these things. I like your solution, "I am not aware of any health conditions that would impede my performance in the job." My status doesn't, hasn't and won't impede me. Whether others would understand that is another question entirely.

(simalarly, @ pozniceguy, if the Doctor can say I am "fit for job" but doesnt need to outright lie about my status, that could work).

@ eric48, the thought that I could claim ignorance did cross my mind, but I am on meds. So I don't know how far I could follow that route!

@ matty, this isn't a promotion but a sideways move. If I do get busted, I suspect I could be sacked for lying (in the current economic climate, they are always looking to lose people). But, I could get over that. Would be embarassing though!

@ pozjeepguy: that is the worry. What if I do get sick, what if something goes wrong and I need help.. BUT, that is an unlikely probability (which will no doubt happen, cos that's just the way it goes, haha ). I'm not expecting hostility or anything. I am expecting being politely told that I won't be able to take the job due to the "risk to my health" or "not being able to fulfil the role" (and it's basically a desk job in countries with noodles or curry instead of hamburgers! Think I can tolerate the ocassional upset stomach!)

Also I personally feel that if we just don't come out with it we only propitiates the stigma. Once again personally I wouldn't want to be in fear for my job over it. I have enough on my plate with worrying wether they know or do not know. I wouldn't want to work or be around people that don't want to be around me because of it. Surround yourself by those who except you for all you are. All that matters at the end of the night is you can look at yourself in mirror and know you did your best and your were honest.

Lost Boy, I'm going to agree with most and say that you keep your HIV status to yourself. If being poz has no impact whatsoever upon the task that you will be performing there is no reason why this information should be requested. Assurbanipal's advice is very good; do a little research with a UK ASO, I bet they will probably tell you not to disclose this info.

it's basically a desk job in countries with noodles or curry instead of hamburgers! Think I can tolerate the ocassional upset stomach!

Do consider however the countries where you might have to work; there are still a few silly places with restrictions against HIV visitors. It wouldn't be very nice when you arrive in Jordan or Singapore and they send your butt back home for being a pozzum (and then your employer would find out for sure). If the travel is all within the EU or the Americas then definitely go for it.

Good luck with whatever choice that you make.

[edit: coz I carnt spell]

« Last Edit: June 10, 2011, 09:34:11 PM by Rev. Moon »

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"I have tried hard--but life is difficult, and I am a very useless person. I can hardly be said to have an independent existence. I was just a screw or a cog in the great machine I called life, and when I dropped out of it I found I was of no use anywhere else."

You should go for it. You are not back stabing anyone. You are not cut throating anyone. There are so many a holes who would back stab you to get ahead. If you can do the job and do it well, you should go for it and win it. Employers like to keep the ones that perform well. If you do well, they make more profit. If you perform well and bring something to the table, they will want to keep you around. Good luck.

Hey Lost_boy, I say go for it too. Unless you're applying for the porn industry (LOL) I don't see why being poz would be a problem. If they find out later...well, my bad, just say "I didn't know". Sometimes we have to lie our ass to keep our jobs and bring food to the table.

But please go first and talk to your doc about this, specially with your bill of health.And rev moon got a very delicate point there, check the HIV policies of the countries you will be sent, you might sent back to the states because some some countries stupid laws.

I agree with Moon about foreign travel. The company may have no choice but to disqualify you on that basis, if you disclose your status.

If you want the job, I just wouldn't chance disclosure. And if you're in good health, go for it. How would you be any worse off if you did get sick than if you were in your current position? Seems to me you have everything to lose if you disclose, including your current position. Why take the risk if it's not warranted?

Assuming you won't be sent to countries for extended period of time (i.e., applying for visas) that may require an HIV test, I personally wouldn't disclose. I'd have a chat with my doc about the forms. The doc will likely just state that you're fit for the role and not state anything about your status.

You want the role. You don't think your status will get in the way. If you disclose or not go for the role, your position at the company would be compromised. No brainer to me.

I have to admit I am floored. What about fighting stigma. Or do we just hide under a rock and scared to come forward. If its just a illness why is so many so scared to just say this is the way it is. Bottom line a liar is a liar that will always be a liar. A true test of a man is being able to stand up and say this is the way it is. How can we expect others not to judge us when we don't have the strength to stand up for ourselves. So I have a question, when do you disclose. Doctor only, maybe one family member, that one close friend, or on your death bed. just curious??

To the op. I freaked out about work being a chef. I am still amazed how my employer stood up and said were here to support you. Each day I go to work knowing I'm not hiding anything. I go work and enjoy each day free from outside pressure and it also allows me to focus more on my work. Not all people are horrible, judging, and bitter people.

The general position is that it is unlawful for anemployer to ask any job applicant about theirhealth or disability unless and until the applicant hasbeen offered a job. (But note that there are a fewspecific circumstances when questions about healthand disability can be asked.These are explained laterin this guide.)

Where an organisation is holding a bulk recruitmentexercise, this restriction on questions about health ordisability applies up to the point where an applicanthas been placed in a pool of successful applicantswho are to be offered jobs as vacancies arise.

It is also unlawful for an employer’s representative toask a job applicant questions about their health ordisability.This means that an employer cannot referan applicant to an occupational health practitioneror ask an applicant to fill in a questionnaire providedby an occupational health practitioner before a joboffer is made.

"...health will finally be seen not as a blessing to be wished for, but as a human right to be fought for." Kofi Annan

Nymphomaniac: a woman as obsessed with sex as an average man. Mignon McLaughlin

HIV is certainly character-building. It's made me see all of the shallow things we cling to, like ego and vanity. Of course, I'd rather have a few more T-cells and a little less character. Randy Shilts

I have to admit I am floored. What about fighting stigma. Or do we just hide under a rock and scared to come forward. If its just a illness why is so many so scared to just say this is the way it is. Bottom line a liar is a liar that will always be a liar. A true test of a man is being able to stand up and say this is the way it is. How can we expect others not to judge us when we don't have the strength to stand up for ourselves. So I have a question, when do you disclose. Doctor only, maybe one family member, that one close friend, or on your death bed. just curious??

To the op. I freaked out about work being a chef. I am still amazed how my employer stood up and said were here to support you. Each day I go to work knowing I'm not hiding anything. I go work and enjoy each day free from outside pressure and it also allows me to focus more on my work. Not all people are horrible, judging, and bitter people.

hey jeepguy,

It is great that you work for an employer who is supportive of your condition. Not everyone is as lucky as you are. We all work in different environments. I work for a fortune 500 company and it is not our corporate culture to discuss such personal matters at work place. Plus I am a private person. I don't share my personal stuff at work and I don't want to hear other people's personal stuff either except for the ones I care. Most of our employees don't. We are there to work and not to have a personal chit chat. I do my job and that's what they care.

It is great that you stand up for yourself. We all have different circumstances and you can't judge others for not being able to disclose. You don't know what others have to face. Everyone is different. I will listen to your opinion with respect but I couldn't care less about your judgement.

Let me ask you one thing though. Have you disclosed to any of your restaurant customers who come in to eat the food you cook?

It is great that you work for an employer who is supportive of your condition. Not everyone is as lucky as you are. We all work in different environments. I work for a fortune 500 company and it is not our corporate culture to discuss such personal matters at work place. Plus I am a private person. I don't share my personal stuff at work and I don't want to hear other people's personal stuff either except for the ones I care. Most of our employees don't. We are there to work and not to have a personal chit chat. I do my job and that's what they care.

It is great that you stand up for yourself. We all have different circumstances and you can't judge others for not being able to disclose. You don't know what others have to face. Everyone is different. I will listen to your opinion with respect but I couldn't care less about your judgement.

Let me ask you one thing though. Have you disclosed to any of your restaurant customers who come in to eat the food you cook?

JP

You should back off.

Jake gave his best advice. Just because you work for a Fortune 500 company doesn't give you permission to shit on his quilt.

My employees know, some of the customers I talk to know, my friends, my family, and the whole thing about working in a corp environment. So what. By hidding you just keep the stigma alive. I live my life open and free and no fear about how knows what. By being ashamed to share just says your ashamed of who you are and don't let that be the case. You know the long termers have fought hard for us to have new drugs and rights that we enjoy to this day. But just hiding everything just makes it worse for all of us and those who are coming in behind us. I know its hard I'm not bind to that but lying everyday has to be hard to. Keep people at a distance and hiding the truth is hard and in the long run not good for your health.

There is no judgement here. The op ask for our opions and Im giving mine.

STAND UP HOLD YOUR HEAD HIGH AND LETS MOVE FORWARD. Maybe growing up gay has helped me with this aspect of life. I will not let anyone hold me down or hold me back.

Also just for the record I'm not saying tell everyone. If you work for a larger company they must have human resources or something like that. Inform them. I was told by my human resources department that our conversation is private. There may even be resources for you in the long run god forbid you do get ill they may be able to help instead of lying and then they can fire you for giving false information. just something to think about

Maybe growing up gay has helped me with this aspect of life. I will not let anyone hold me down or hold me back.

That's pretty much how I have always looked at it, but then everyone has wildly different experiences with how "out" they are about their sexuality. IMO if they're not totally out about that they won't be totally out about their Pozzitude.

For me it's not just about reducing stigma in society, it's about my own personal mental health... you know, taking care of #1, etc. When you compartmentalize aspects of your life on a daily basis it tends to spread to other undesirable behavioral patterns, and certainly contributes to depression issues.

STAND UP HOLD YOUR HEAD HIGH AND LETS MOVE FORWARD. Maybe growing up gay has helped me with this aspect of life. I will not let anyone hold me down or hold me back.

Jake, I am in total agreement here. I have worked in situations from a 5 person body shop owned and run by a guy so fucking religious, he thought the Pope was a lightweight on a moral level, to working for a unversity with over 20,000 eployees, and everyting in between. One of the things that I never compromised was refusal to pretend I was negative for someone else's comfort. Got royally fucked a few times because if it, but wouldn't change a thing even if I could. I refuse to act as though I have something to be ashamed of just because someone else has issues with it. Even living here in JesusLand, pretty much all the neighbors know, and no-one has ever given me any shit for it.CaptCarl

I have to admit I am floored. What about fighting stigma. Or do we just hide under a rock and scared to come forward. If its just a illness why is so many so scared to just say this is the way it is. Bottom line a liar is a liar that will always be a liar. A true test of a man is being able to stand up and say this is the way it is. How can we expect others not to judge us when we don't have the strength to stand up for ourselves. So I have a question, when do you disclose. Doctor only, maybe one family member, that one close friend, or on your death bed. just curious??

Wow, that's a harsh thing to say. I'm glad that you have the courage to disclose so openly, but be aware that everyone's conditions are different, like working places, laws and regulations, if they live or not with their parents/family or even in what country they are.

Answering your question, I disclosed only to my HIV doctor, and everyone in my home (mom -who was with me when I got the Dx- , dad, sister, and one of my aunts who lives with us) and a sexual partner I had by the time of my Dx, but aside of that, nobody else.

And yes, if I have to lie to keep a roof over my head and keep my job to have something to eat, yes, I'm a liar and I'll be always a liar.

If one can be open about it, that's great, I really, truly respect that. But expecting that from others is not right. No one knows what it's like to be in someone else's shoes. At the same time, some people have the option to choose if they want to be open about it, while some don't. That also changes the picture.

I myself only plan to disclose it to my doctors and close friends. That's it, those are the people I can count on. I know well enough to know what's good for me. If I see that disclosing my status in a specific situation will help fight the stigma, I might just do it. Otherwise, hell no.

So my advice to lost_boy is: do what you feel like doing. If you want to be open about it, go ahead. If you are not completely sure about it, then keep it to yourself. You don't have to tell anyone you don't want and it doesn't change who you are.

I'm in the running for a job with my current employer that really appeals to me.

However, before I go, I need to do a medical check. I have a health form with standard questions and need to declare any ailments. This would be stuff like asthma, heart problems... and obviously, HIV.

I'm kind of a shoe-in for this role as well, and it would raise awkward questions if I didn't get the job or dropped out the running due to a mystery "health problem" anyway. I know it's kind of stupid not to declare this, especially if I am working abroad and the worst happens - but I would rather deal with that then and there, rather then miss this opportunity now.

Is my doctor obligated to be truthful if I go and beg for him to provide me with a bit of paper saying I am fit for the job?

I just don't want it ending up being office gossip for why I didn't get this role...... fess up and face the consequences, or take a gamble and hide my status.

Definitely a decision that only you can make... just some things about your post - you state that you have to disclose any ailments, yet you may not do that --- this would probably end up in you being terminated if your employer finds out. You say you are okay with that, but yet you say this is a job that you really want - so, are you really going to be okay with getting terminated if the truth comes out?

You say that people would question why you didn't get the role if they pass you over because of the medical condition ----- and that you don't want to become the subject of office gossip if passed up. Are you going to be okay being the subject of this gossip if you get discharged for lying on the form?

Also, you are not only wanting to be deceptive about your status, but are also wanting to ask a medical professional to be deceptive as well. I don't know too many who will do this - put their credibility and perhaps license on the line. Although, you may be able to safely have one say that you do not have any medical conditions that would impact your ability to do the job (but actually, you do have one, it is just under control at the time) ---- hopefully, it will stay that way, because if not, that could also present problems.

Also, do any of the countries where you would be traveling have travel bans related to HIV positive persons? This may be another thing that could pose problems if your diagnosis comes out, especially, if you are in one of these countries with such a ban.

I guess the final line of your post says it all..... you will be taking a gamble if you pursue this route.... if you are okay with it and with the possible consequences and willing to accept responsibility for those consequences, then do what you feel you must do.

Myself, I had an arrest record. When looking for new employment a couple of years ago, I debate whether to disclose it - as it was an arrest, not a conviction. If the question asked if I had been convicted of a crime I safely responded "no." When it asked if I had been arrested for a felony.... I answered "yes." There were a few jobs that I did not get.

My current employer asked me about the arrest during my interview - we got over that hurdle. I now have the best job I have ever had and my employer knows about my arrest --- no skeletons to fall out of the closet - no fears. I have also let this same employer know about my status -- once again, no skeletons to fall out of the closet and no fears of it coming out some other way.

So, I will close by saying, that it is definitely a tough decision - hopefully, whatever choice you make, you will be okay with.

Props to those who take the high road and fight stigma by never hiding or deceiving about their status. However, one should only do this professionally when one is in a good place. Yes, if you lie and that might mean a fire if the lie comes out, that sucks. If you like the company. But you already know the company isn't highly evolved as to respect for the peoples complexity, (eg. a HIV+ person can do a great job and this status doesnt have constraints) - thus the stupid rule and your predicament.

(By the way, are you SURE your status would be an automatic NO - based on what evidence??? Maybe you are projecting onto your company just your own fears.)

If I had Suzy Orman's recommended financial security, which helps smooth over the loss of a job, Id be tempted to take the high road.

But Id never risk financial ruin.

And if I were you, I'd evolve my own attitude about how to get ahead. Do you want to be cutthroat and play politics and play dirty when necessary, or not. If you do, why are you even asking this question about should you lie? What goes with that is the assumption that your employer will screw you over at will, as well.

Some companies and careers push this whole consideration about personal integrity more to one way, other companies and careers to the other way.

And then there are those who claim to always take the high road no matter what.

« Last Edit: June 11, 2011, 07:50:56 PM by mecch »

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“From each, according to his ability; to each, according to his need” 1875 K Marx

That's totally not it. It's not a question of whether it benefits me, but whether it harms me. What good will it do if I tell someone I don't care about that I'm HIV+? If the person doesn't have any prejudice, it won't make a difference. If the person has prejudice, he/she will just stay away from me, talk behind my back. Would I change something with that? Like I said: if I find myself in a context that disclosing may help to fight the stigma, I may as well just disclose it. Regardless, disclosing it or not does not stop me from fighting the stigma through other means.

I insist: I truly respect who is open about it, but you don't what it's like to be in someone else's shoes, so don't be fast to judge the reasons why someone chooses to disclose something like that or not.

The op asked about disclosing at work. I have only know about 10 months now and I did it. I live paycheck to paycheck. I didn't know what would happen. If i lost my job it would mean moving back home and in with my parents. I do know how hard it is and I too work for a fortune 500 company. I do know that some of my pears talk behind my back but I did it. It still could totally bite me in ass and I would loss everything but I did it because it's the right thing to do, I did it to fight stigma, I did it and no harm came of it. Too the op if we aspect the worse in people we will receive it. If you approach it from a honest and sincere place and show you are capable of the job than there shouldn't be any fear of disclosing. It hasn't even been a year for me but the one thing I do know about this is every little step we take helps us all in the long run. There is no judgment. You we present ourselves as ashamed of course those around us will perceive us as shameful. It you present yourself as hey I have this let's move on others are more likey to follow.

The op asked about disclosing at work. I have only know about 10 months now and I did it. I live paycheck to paycheck. I didn't know what would happen. If i lost my job it would mean moving back home and in with my parents. I do know how hard it is and I too work for a fortune 500 company. I do know that some of my pears talk behind my back but I did it. It still could totally bite me in ass and I would loss everything but I did it because it's the right thing to do, I did it to fight stigma, I did it and no harm came of it. Too the op if we aspect the worse in people we will receive it. If you approach it from a honest and sincere place and show you are capable of the job than there shouldn't be any fear of disclosing. It hasn't even been a year for me but the one thing I do know about this is every little step we take helps us all in the long run. There is no judgment. You we present ourselves as ashamed of course those around us will perceive us as shameful. It you present yourself as hey I have this let's move on others are more likey to follow.

Its not fair to expect everyone who contracts a disease to become an advocate or activist for said disease.

Also, could you please read your post Jeepguy before posting, the spelling and grammer errors make it difficult to read.

I'm not sure that disclosing HIV status, if it even is asked on the form, as part of a hiring process is fighting discrimination. If doing so keeps an individual from being hired, who benefits? Certainly the HIV+ individual who disclosed and was not hired / promoted hasn't benefited, and I don't see how HIV+ people in general benefit. There's a time and place to help educate, reduce stigma, etc, but I don't think that doing so during an interview or hiring is it.

If I was going for the job and there was no legitimate reason that my being positive would interfere, I'd probably lie about it too. Ask me an inappropriate question, and I'll likely respond with an equally inappropriate answer.

I wonder if you are slightly shoehorning your own experience of wanting to be open into what may not be right for others.

The only reason I would tell at work, would be if it was helpful to me. Feeling liberated and breaking down prejudice does not cut it with me. I don't mind anybody knowing I'm gay, but would draw the line at them knowing my penchant for raw cock.

Unless someone sees being gay or being posiitve as their defining attribute, I really see no reason to disclose at work.

What you do in your bedroom or the consequences thereof are no one's business but your own and those directly affected.

Every person is different and every circumstance/situation is different. What works for others may not work for you because they are not YOU. Not everyone wants to be the poster boy for gay rights and/or HIV stigma reduction.

I'm in the running for a job with my current employer that really appeals to me. I'd be going out to various foreign countries for a couple of months at a time, but I would be working quite long hours, demanding situations. It would be hard work, but not unsafe.

However, before I go, I need to do a medical check. I have a health form with standard questions and need to declare any ailments. This would be stuff like asthma, heart problems... and obviously, HIV.

I'm currently on medication. I'm not unwell, never a sick day, and this job isn't something where I wouldn't be able to take my medication daily. My doctor has assured me he would proscribe enough medication to take with me, and then some. So I'm not worried about that.

However - I know if I declare my HIV status at this stage, I would be out the running (I am almost certain of this). It's competitive, and any reason to knock candidates out the running will no doubt be taken. Also, I've not declared my status to my employer at the moment. This current health stuff wouldn't be subject to the same confidential non-disclosure that you'd usually expect - as in, colleagues who are friends would see it as part of the assessment process (it's meant to be confidential within the team I'm applying for, but I think we all know how these things work in real life).

I'm kind of a shoe-in for this role as well, and it would raise awkward questions if I didn't get the job or dropped out the running due to a mystery "health problem" anyway. I know it's kind of stupid not to declare this, especially if I am working abroad and the worst happens - but I would rather deal with that then and there, rather then miss this opportunity now.

My other concern is that I would need (assuming I get offered the job) a clean bill of health from my doctor. I have declared my HIV status to my GP (that's my doctor, for American readers!). This is my BIG worry. Is my doctor obligated to be truthful if I go and beg for him to provide me with a bit of paper saying I am fit for the job? Could I go and sign up to another GP, who doesn't know my status, and simply get the clean bill of health from them?

All the the pre-deployment health check is a couple of laps of a race course, some pushups, blood pressure check etc. They won't be doing blood/urine checks, anything like that. I'm fit and (essentially) healthy - I feel in a real bind!!

Thoughts appreciated. I'm not in denial about my status - I just don't want it ending up being office gossip for why I didn't get this role, and HIV just won't be treated the same as if I had a bad back or a heart murmour Need to fill out the health self-assessment early next week, so need to decide whether to fess up and face the consequences, or take a gamble and hide my status.

I'm not so sure I would disclose in this situation. It seems it could be more detrimental than good, but it's hard to say for sure with what you describe. If you hid your status from them is there any possibility they may find out at a later time? If not, I would say don't do it. Office politics are enough to deal with on there own. Throw HIV into the mix and I am afraid your suspicions may prove correct, making you fodder for the ignorant.

"...health will finally be seen not as a blessing to be wished for, but as a human right to be fought for." Kofi Annan

Nymphomaniac: a woman as obsessed with sex as an average man. Mignon McLaughlin

HIV is certainly character-building. It's made me see all of the shallow things we cling to, like ego and vanity. Of course, I'd rather have a few more T-cells and a little less character. Randy Shilts

lost boy sorry if I came across preachy. I just wanted to share that its not always bad to disclose. When I first came here everyone told me the same about not disclosing. I just wanted to share a experience where some one has disclosed and it actually has made things easier. Its not always a bad thing.

Thanks for the bitch slap emerldize. I hope you didnt have to re-read my post a few times to figure out what the hell I was saying.

Typical Bugger. Comes in criticizing others while simultaneously doing the exact same thing he's whining about. Then cries like a little bitch when he gets smacked for it. People in glass houses and all that......